Two Valleys Radio

I'm reading an excerpt from Once Removed in a couple of hours on Two Valleys Radio http://www.twovalleysradio.co.uk/ It's an internet radio programme so anyone can listen. You may also be able to hear David singing & playing the piano... 

Once Removed Trailer Now Live!

The trailer for Once Removed is now live!

Take a look for yourself below:

Yesterday (sung plaintively to Beatles tune)

The bookmarks arrived yesterday in time for today's talk in Cowcliffe AND Rebeca helped me sort out my problems with Triberr ~ hooray. Sadly, today my internet connection is driving me mad and not allowing me to access the final round of Once Removed edits ~ aaarrrgggh!

Where are all the teenagers when you need them?

I've set up accounts all over the place in preparation for launching Once Removed but I'm struggling to get them all to link up. It's like trying to learn a new language without a guide!

Bookmarks

 Just put the finishing touches to my bookmarks. Hope they get here in time for my talk next Wednesday!

Advice on self-publishing

I had a request for help from someone wishing to self-publish and thought I would share my reply:

My advice would be to work hard at producing the most professional book you possibly can. It will provide the first impression of your work to your readers and they will not recommend it to their friends or look for your next book if it isn't good enough. You are hoping to persuade people to part with their cash (self-published books are often more expensive than best sellers) & spend time reading your book over something by an author they know & already like. You will have to work harder at marketing and promotion than you did writing the book. 

Smashwords provide detailed instructions on how to self-publish an ebook. It is free and a good way to test the waters but you will still have to work at the marketing. 

Have several people (including experienced authors), whom you trust to give honest feedback, read your ms before you consider publishing. And pay for a professional editor. My memoir was read by 8 people including authors, teachers, a PR person and a doctor. Despite their input, my editor found a full page worth of technical errors that needed correcting. None of these things had been picked up by my spellchecker.

My novel is being published as an ebook by Crooked {Cat} Publishing. They are a new company and very professional. They edited my manuscript but I'd had several people read it, including an appraisal done by Cornerstones, before I submitted it. 

Director pleased

David's delighted with the film he took on Friday. Just needs to edit, add sound and text... Can't wait to see Once Removed's trailer!

Book trailer

The great David Brook, from Blueprint Film, is working on a video trailer for Once Removed. Can't wait to see it!

Launch Date

The edits have been returned to Steph at Crooked Cat Publishing and a launch date of the 3rd of May has been suggested. Watch this space!